HOBOKEN, N.J. (September 23, 2009) – Junior Nolan Sandberg scored the game-winner 6:22 into the second half and freshman Zach Adler recorded two assists as the Stevens Institute of Technology men's soccer team defeated Manhattanville College, 3-0 on Wednesday night at the De Baun Athletic Complex in Hoboken, N.J. Seniors Terrence Johnson and Todd Sheridan tallied goals 2:38 apart to provide insurance and junior Zach Carr registered his fourth shutout of the season in goal for the Ducks (6-2).
In the first half, Stevens had several excellent chances. The first one came after Manhattanville was whistled for a foul about 10 minutes into the action. Adler lofted a perfect service into the middle of the box, and Sheridan's header attempt sailed just high.
Less than 10 minutes later, Stevens forced a turnover and Sheridan came up with a breakaway. The senior controlled but had to rush his shot as junior goalkeeper Jason Torres (Harrison, N.Y.) did a nice job cutting down the angle and made the save.
Manhattanville did not have many strong chances at all in the first half but took five shots compared to eight for the Ducks. Stevens ended the opening period with a slim 2-1 edge in corners and Torres was credited with three saves.
Sandberg's game-winner came in the 53rd minute on Adler's first assist of the contest. After a foul on the right side, Adler lofted a perfect service into the middle of the box and Sandberg was there for the header into the right side of the cage. It was Sandberg's second tally of the season.
In the 71st minute, Johnson scored his fourth of the season. Adler hit a streaking Chris Faustino down the left sideline. Faustino made a move or two and crossed into the middle of the box to Johnson, who beat the defender and put it home for the score. At the 72:49 the Ducks really put the game away. Adler put a long ball into the box and Sandberg flicked it to an open Sheridan on the left side. Patiently, Sheridan controlled and beat Torres for the score. It was his second of the season.
Prior to the two insurance scores, the Valiants (4-3) had several chances to tie things up. With 32:20 remaining, sophomore Emil Sjoberg (Stockholm, Sweden) got his head on a cross and Carr had to made a diving stop. Minutes later, Papy Ndiaye (Dakar, Senegal) made a nice move on the left side and lofted a perfect cross to an open J.P. Arenas (White Plains, N.Y.). Arenas tried to one-time it home and missed wide and the score remained 1-0 in favor of the Ducks.
Carr finished with four saves on the night as each team ended with a total of 15 shots. Manhattanville ended with a 4-3 edge in corners.
Up next for the Ducks is Rochester Institute of Technology on Saturday afternoon at the De Baun Athletic Complex. Game time is slated for 3 p.m. as the Ducks will be looking to get a win after playing the Tigers to a scoreless deadlock in 2008. It is also the Empire 8 opener for both schools.
All fans are encouraged to get out to the game as it will be Homecoming Weekend on the Stevens campus. Festivities will start with the women's soccer team taking on Elmira College at 12 p.m. and a free barbeque running from 12-4:30 p.m. on the Walker Gymnasium lawn. For those fans unable to make it, the game will be webcast live at www.Empire8.tv.
